Ben Robinson

Construction of a pedestrian and cycling link between Hethersett and Norwich Research Park is expected to begin next month after delays caused by negotiations with private landowners were resolved. The route will run from Braymeadow Lane to the A47 bridge, where there is currently no pavement, and is expected to cost about £500,000. It aims to improve connectivity between Hethersett, Norwich Research Park and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. The scheme was announced in 2023 as one of nine projects supported by the Greater Norwich Growth Board.

Government proposals to accelerate the creation of AI growth zones could strengthen Norwich Apex Ltd’s bid to build a large data centre near Keswick, Norfolk. The scheme has attracted substantial local opposition, including a petition signed by more than 11,000 people, with residents and local officials concerned about central government influence, noise and environmental effects. The developer says the facility would use air cooling, require no new water supply and have limited impact because of planned acoustic barriers and silencers.

A plan has been submitted to South Norfolk Council to build three self‑build homes in Hempnall Green, close to the proposed 2,718‑acre East Pye solar farm. A previous application for five homes on the same site was rejected in March 2025 over concerns about harm to the area’s open character. The new proposal argues the homes would help address the council’s shortage of a five‑year housing land supply, while documents show one of the solar farm’s planned fields would border nearby roads.